A Fond FarewellContest Award winner, an AP Scholar, and a Commended Student in the National Merit...
Transcript of A Fond FarewellContest Award winner, an AP Scholar, and a Commended Student in the National Merit...
For the second consecutive year, Rocky Point School District has been honored with the distinctionof being one of New York State’s 272 Title I districts, designated as a “High Performing/Gap Closing”
district by the Board of Regents and the State Education Department. Thanks to the support of ourcommunity and the hard work and dedication of students and staff, students in Rocky Point have
shown improvement in academic performanceIn order to qualify for this distinction, only districts with a minimum of 30 continuously
enrolled students in at least two of the following groups, were eligible for recognition: aracial ethnic group, low-income, limited English proficiency, or students with disabilities.
The community earned this commendation for leading New York in its goal ofincreasing student achievement, while closing the gap in student performance.
www.rockypointschools.org
Summer 2008
INSIDE• A Salute to the Class of ‘08
• RPMS Hosts First Career Café
• JAE Explores New York
• FJC Dedicates a Tree to Soldiers
As Class of 2008Valedictorian,Christina McDonnelldemonstrated hardwork and dedicationthroughout heracademic career inRocky Point School District. Christina was anHonor Roll student throughout high school andchallenged herself with a rigorous course load ofAdvanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes.She was named a Commended Student in theNational Merit Scholarship Program and an APScholar. Christina exhibited the same drive forextracurricular activities and was a member ofthe softball team, earned All-Division on thegirls tennis team, and played first chair flute inthe concert band. Christina also assumed therole of secretary in the National Honor Society,Math Honor Society, and the Class of 2008during sophomore through senior year.Additionally, Christina was a member of theStudent Council and participated in both theLeaders Club and Mock Trail. This avid writerand winner of the National Council ofTeachers of English Writing Competition willtake her passion for writing to the University ofNotre Dame in the fall, where she will pursue adegree in journalism and attain her future goal ofbecoming a sportswriter.
James Mayrreceived the honor ofSalutatorian for theClass of 2008. Jamestook challenging andrigorous AdvancedPlacement (AP) andHonors courses throughout high school andparticipated in a number of extracurricularactivities, including the North Shore YouthCouncil, Be A Nicer Neighbor communityservice club, Student Council, SingingSantas, and Mock Trial. James was a memberof the jazz band, played in the pit orchestrafor the school musical Annie, and landed aleading role in the Pocket Theater Productionof You Can’t Take It With You. His highscores earned him membership in both theNational Honor Society and Math HonorSociety. James has been named a NationalCouncil for Teachers of English WritingContest Award winner, an AP Scholar, and aCommended Student in the National MeritScholarship Program. In the fall, James willattend the State University of New York atBinghamton. Although he is undecided on amajor field of study, James will take this timein his educational career to explore interestsand to pursue options for a future career.
As third in her
class, Meagan Lewis-
Bie was bestowed the
honor of this year’s
Exhortation Speaker.
Throughout high
school, Meagan
enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) and
Honors courses and earned accolades during
her participation on the varsity volleyball,
basketball, and softball teams. Meagan
participated in countless extracurricular
activities, which included the Marching Band,
Concert Band, Leaders Club, and Athletes
Helping Athletes. Additionally, she earned
membership in both the National Honor
Society and Math Honor Society, and was
awarded Honorable Mention in the Mark
Twain Prose Competition. Meagan was also a
recipient of a Business Education Award in
Computer Applications and the Suffolk Zone
of New York State Association for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance
Award. Meagan also works at McCarrick’s
Dairy and volunteers her time at a local church
and the community library. In the fall, Meagan
will pursue a degree in nursing and will play
volleyball at Mount Saint Mary College.
JAMES MAYRMEAGAN
LEWIS-BIECHRISTINA
MCDONNELL
HIGH PERFORMING, Gap Closing
2 R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
A Message from Your SuperintendentDR. CARLA D’AMBROSIO
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Thewords of Helen Keller exemplify the dedication, hard work, andcommitment of the Rocky Point community in passing the2008/09 school budget to maintain quality programs despiteincreased mandates and insufficient revenue sources. The budgetprocess was a collaborative effort to keep costs controlled, whilethe two sources of revenue to offset expenses decreased. I thankyou for your unwavering support and look forward to planning forthe new school year. The commitment this year will be to explorepossible areas where costs may be cooperatively shared amongour local districts in a concerted effort to consolidate expenses.We are planning to organize community groups to become activein securing additional State Aid for Rocky Point Schools.
As you read this newsletter you will see the accomplishmentsof our students across all disciplines – the arts, athletics, andacademic programs – who have received recognition for theiroutstanding achievements. Our senior scholars have excelled,gaining acceptance into prestigious colleges for higher academicstudy. The Class of 2008 has had the highest 4-year collegeacceptance rate (approximately 60%) of any Rocky Point classinto very competitive colleges. The district, for the secondconsecutive year, has been recognized by the State EducationDepartment as a High-Performing Gap-Closing District. Ourstudents have shown academic growth in English language artsand mathematics. Twelve students were nominated and achievedrecognition for their artistic ability in drama, music, and art asTeeny Award Nominees. For their outstanding performances, fouryoung ladies went on to receive the Teeny Awards, similar to theTony Awards, at a gala event on June 15th. Boys and GirlsLacrosse won the Suffolk County Championships, with the boysgoing on to win their first ever New York State Championship.
The accolades go on and on as Rocky Point continues toexcel to new heights. As I attend the concerts surrounded bystanding room only audiences and bleachers packed withcommunity supporters, it is understandable why our students areprogressing. Parents and guardians are participating in theeducation of their children and making that the focal point of thefamily. It takes a whole family to educate a child and a strongpositive attitude that we – parents, students, and educators – canachieve at all levels.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the respite of thesummer with your families and friends.
The Board of Education held its annualreorganization meeting early in July, swearingin newly elected members and appointingBoard duties. Diane Burke and Michael Nofihave joined the Board for the 2008-2009school year. Joseph Sanseverino was appointedby the Board to serve as President, andMargaret Smith will serve as Vice President.
At the June Board of Education meeting,the Board recognized Geraldine Thalen andMichael Matera for their years of commitmentand dedication to the Board of Education. Forthe past nine years, Ms. Thalen served as aBoard member, eight of those as Board ofEducation President. Mr. Matera dedicatedtwelve years of service as a Board member.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carla D’Ambrosio recommended 18 teachers and staff membersfor tenure at the May Board of Education meeting. Student achievement and success is a truetestament to the professionalism and dedication of the teaching staff. Earning tenure is a milestoneto be celebrated in a teacher’s career.
It is with great pleasure that the district congratulates these fine teachers and staff members: EricaAlemaghides (Social Studies), Kelly Birnstein (Special Education), Emily Breiner (Elementary),Christina Capaldi (Elementary), Frank Centrone (Special Education), Joselle Cespe (SpecialEducation), Nancy Colamussi (Elementary), Michael Conlon (School Counselor), Laura Flanagan(ESL), Jessica Gerbino (Elementary), Katerina Kyriakakis (Art), Mara Lopez (Elementary), JaimieMancini (Special Education), Sandra Ortega-Lydic (Spanish), Kerri Thomas (Mathematics), LaurieVarriale (Elementary), David Ventura (Music), and Anja Groth (Director of Instruction).
The district bids farewell to 16 staff members who are retiring with more than 469 years ofcollective experience in the Rocky Point School District. The 2008 retirees are: Linda Bovich(Science), Christopher Brown (English), Susan Burdette (Reading), Carla Cantera-Potter (Art),Patricia Carr (School Teacher Aide), Dennis Desmond (Business), Linda Fine (Elementary),Marjorie Fischer (German), Francis Hempton (Science), Lois Ingebretsen (Special Education),Janet Kirwan (Elementary), Richard Menard (Mathematics), Richard Parsons (Physical Education),Patricia Secko (Physical Education), Stephen Schultz (Social Studies Coordinator), and ThomasVaugn, Jr. (Elementary).
The Board of Education and administration would like to extend their best wishes to theseexceptional staff members as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
RECOGNIZING EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Beat that summer heat with a refreshing yet healthy treat. Yogurt pops not only contain
the nutritional value needed for children’ s everyday activities, but will cool them down
on a hot summer day. This easy-to-make recipe will be the hit of the summer for your
children.
What you will need:
Favorite Flavor Yogurt (amount depends on containers being used)
Set of Ice Pop Molds
OR
Paper Cups, Plastic Wrap, and Popsicle Sticks
Directions:
If using Ice Pop molds, pour yogurt almost to the top of each mold and close each pop with
a cover (that has a plastic popsicle stick attached). Let freeze. When frozen, yogurt pops
should slide out of the mold. If using paper cups, fill almost to the top and cover the top of
the almost completely filled cup of yogurt with plastic wrap. Puncture a hole through the
plastic wrap with the popsicle stick and stand upright in freezer. Allow to freeze and
when done peel the paper off of the yogurt and enjoy!
Time to freeze will vary according to size of container.
Note: Plastic wrap helps to keep the exposed yogurt from getting frost bite.
YOGURT POPS
A Fond Farewell
THE BOARD REORGANIZES
In July, the Board of Education reorganizedand welcomed their two newly elected
members Michael Nofi and Diane Burke,and elected Joseph Sanseverino as President
and Margaret Smith as Vice President.
(Above) Former Board of Education members GeraldineThalen (center right with flowers) and Michael Matera(center left) were recognized at the June Board meetingfor their years of service to the community.
Health CornerIn April 2007, legislation was passed by the New York State Education
Department requiring childhood obesity screening using Body Mass Index (BMI)percentiles for age and gender. These measures are being taken to collect dataregarding school-aged children and adolescents at the State and local levels in orderto understand the severity and distribution of obesity among our youth. In addition,the information will be used to evaluate whether the actions taken by local schools,school districts, and communities to improve access to healthy foods and increasephysical activity are making a difference in reducing childhood obesity.
The New York State Education Law will require Student Health Appraisal Formsto report each student’s BMI and weight status to be completed by the student’shealthcare provider and submitted to the school by parents at school entry, and inkindergarten, grades 2, 4, 7, and 10.
The district has been selected by the State as a sample school district for the2008-2009 school year. As a sample district, Rocky Point will provide aggregateweight status data to the Department of Health.
3R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Two of the district’s schools were chosen as recipients of severalgrants that will greatly benefit our students’ education withenhancements to curriculum.
Middle School Library Media Specialist Cathy O’Connellsecured two awards. She was presented the Best Buy Teach Grant,which recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12classrooms. Selected from a national pool of applicants, Ms.O’Connell’s $2,000 Best Buy gift card will be used to purchasestate-of-the-art digital equipment to enhance a current sixth gradeauthor study project that promotes reading.
In addition, the Middle School Library is among the 3,000libraries chosen to receive the We the People “Created Equal”Bookshelf Grant, which provides free hardcover editions of 17classic books on the theme of “Created Equal,” Spanishtranslations of four of the titles, and supporting materials.The grant is awarded by the National Endowment for theHumanities in cooperation with the American LibraryAssociation.
Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School was the beneficiary ofa grant from the Citi Success Fund, a program sponsored bythe Citi Foundation and administered on Long Island by theMentoring Partnership of Long Island. The Citi Success Fundencourages teachers to develop innovative projects that willenhance curriculum and learning for those students most atrisk. Assistant Principal Dr. Courtney Herbert and StudentAssistance Counselor Jamie Adamski were awarded the grantfor a project entitled M&Ms (mentors and mentees). Theproject is a mentoring program that allows teachers and staffto spend quality time with students at FJC.
Rocky Point High School recently welcomed 37 new inductees into the NationalHonor Society. These students were recognized not only for being top students, butalso for displaying excellent character.
Honor Society officers Lydia Belanich, Adam Kurtz, Christina McDonnell, andHeather Coggins led the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, during which each studentspoke about the character traits that represent the National Honor Society. Each spokeon one of the four pillars of the National Honor Society: Service, Character,Scholarship, and Leadership.
The ceremony ended as the newest members recited the National Honor SocietyOath.
NEWSDAY JOURNALISM
WINNERSSeven Rocky Point High School students were
honored as winners in the annual Newsday SchoolJournalism Awards Contest. These students write for themonthly edition of the school’s newspaper, Eagle’s Eye.Newsday provided a journalism contest medallion and anaward certificate to the school in recognition of thewriters, Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Osmanski, andNewspaper Adviser Jessica Rubin. The students cited byNewsday are: Krystie Serviss, Stephanie Osmanski, TomGordon, Bryan Maggio, Brittany Tiedemann, AlexaBennett-Rosman, and Paulina Markiewicz.
LI PRESS AWARD WINNERS
The high quality of the Rocky Point High Schoolnewspaper, Eagle’s Eye, was confirmed when sevenwriters were honored as winners in the Long IslandPress School Journalism Awards Competition. Theentire newspaper staff, their families, and NewspaperAdviser Jessica Rubin attended the awards ceremonyand celebration dinner held at Hofstra University’sMack Sports Complex. The following students wererecognized as Long Island Press School JournalismAward recipients for 2008: Greg Savage, Tom Gordon,Michele Kurtz, Alexa Bennett-Rosman, JeanneTimmons, Lauren Belcastro, and Rebekah Cleary.
PUBLISHED POETS
Rocky Point Middle School students Rachel DiCamdia,Amanda Wells, and TJ Strazzeri are published authors in ACelebration of Young Poets poetry anthology, Fall 2007 andSpring 2008 editions. After learning about the publicationthrough English teacher Danielle Donadoni, Rachel enteredher poem, Winter Into Spring, Amanda submitted her piece,Snow Angel, and TJ entered his verse, Poetry. These threestudents’ creative talents are to be commended.
Several Rocky Point student-actorswere nominated for a number ofTeeny Awards, which pay tribute tothe performers’ outstanding talents intwo of this year’s district dramaproductions, Steel Magnolias andAnnie. The high school received atotal of twelve nominations for theproductions.
Sarah Bradley won for LeadingActress in a Drama for SteelMagnolias. The award of BestSupporting Actress in a Drama wasgiven to Amanda Galasso. For thesame production, Laurie Phillips and Ashley Martin were awarded Best Set Design.
This is the First Annual Teeny Awards for Northern Brookhaven Schools and is sponsored by theGreater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and a variety of local businesses. TheTeeny Awards is a scholarship program that is patterned after the Tony Awards program, and helpsstudent-actors in the Northern Brookhaven region pursue a career in theater.
Spreading The Word “Grant”ed, They are Winners
FJC Assistant Principal Dr. CourtneyHerbert (right) and Student AssistanceCounselor Jamie Adamski (left) acceptedthe Citi Success Grant.
Middle School Library MediaSpecialist Cathy O’Connell,recipient of the Best Buy TeachGrant.
Honor and Dedication
Taking Home the Teeny Award
4 R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Brendan Abatemarco, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Michael Abbate, Dowling College
Luke Aiello, Fashion Institute ofTechnology
Lindsey Altan, Stony Brook University
Justin Annunziato, Syracuse University
Raymond Anzalone, St. Joseph’sUniversity
William Bakewicz, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
James Baptista, SUNY Delhi
Mark Barcelo, SUNY Farmingdale
Lydia Belanich, St. Joseph’s College
Rebekah Bennett, Juniata College
Alexa Bennett-Rosman, PennsylvaniaState University
Miluska Berrospi, BinghamtonUniversity
Timothy Blake, Syracuse University
Brittany Bonneville, St. Joseph’s College
Jessica Bornemann, Career Education
Kelsey Borrmann, SUNY Cortland
William Brennan, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
James Brewer, Career Education
Chelsea Bruno, Dowling College
Renyu Cai, SUNY Stony Brook
Rachel Cambria, Johnson & WalesUniversity
Edwin Canepa, Work
Matthew Carrara, SUNY Stony Brook
Christopher Carter, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
James Caschetta, SUNY Delhi
Danielle Castellano, St. Joseph’s College
Daniel Cervello, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Edward Cheslak, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Matthew Clark, Lebanon Valley College
Victoria Clark, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Kimberly Coberg, New York Instituteof Technology Worldwide
Heather Coggins, NortheasternUniversity
Amanda Cohen, Sacred HeartUniversity
Desiree R. Coleman, University ofCentral Florida
Bernadette Colli, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Robert Collins, Adelphi University
Brian Coman, Work
Michele Cosgrove, SUNY Brockport
Nicholas Cosgrove, QuinnipiacUniversity
Justin Costantini, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Joseph Cote, St. Joseph’s College
Lindsay A. Cottone, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Julia Cullen, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Gregory Cwik, Susquehanna University
Toni-Anne D’Amico, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Thomas D’Angelo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Angelina Daisy, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Victoria Dalessio, Briarcliffe College
Jaime Defeo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Matthew DeLeonardis, SuffolkCounty Community College
Thomas DeLeonardis, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Heather Delio, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Anna DeLucia, St. Joseph’s College
Johnathan DelValle, Career Education
KatieBet DeNardi, Western CarolinaUniversity
Michael Dorsi, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Robert Dougherty, Air National Guard
Gene Dozier, Dowling College
James Drago, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Patrick Duggan, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Michael Duke, Full Sail Real WorldEducation
Michael Eamotte, Career Education
Samantha Ehrich, St. Joseph’s College
Brandon J. Escobar, SUNY Morrisville
Mary Falco, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Fabrice Fantal, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Joseph Farruggio, SUNY Stony Brook
Ginger Feist, Career Education
Renee Ferretti, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Matthew Fertig, SUNY Oswego
Danielle Finn, St. Joseph’s College
Jerry Fiore, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Daniel Gabriellini, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Ryan Galietti, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Felicia Gallina, Career Education
Christopher Gerace, SUNY Oneonta
Amanda Geraci, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Tiffany Giambrone, BinghamtonUniversity
Magdalena Gil, Hofstra University
Matthew Golda, SUNY Stony Brook
Ethan Paul Goldman, Dowling College
Ross Goldman, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Kurt Gordon, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Thomas Gordon, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Steven Grieger, St. Joseph’s College
Jacqueline Grillo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Mark Gross, SUNY Buffalo
Rachel Grubbs, Nyack College
Nicole Grudier, Iona College
Meredith Gubernick, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Patrick Gugel, Career Education
Jillian Guidice, Career Education
Vincent Guido, Long Island University- C.W. Post Campus
Katie-Ann Guthy, St. Joseph’s College
Lauren Haeffner, Work
William Hamann, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Janine Hamdan, Valencia CommunityCollege
DeAnn Hamelin, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Ashley Harlin, Suffolk University
George Hayduk, Five Towns College
James Hellen, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Roland Hepburn, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brittany Hernandez, St. Joseph’s College
Mark Hertzovitz, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brittany Hoff, Work
Daniel Huber, Career Education
Doris Huggins, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Steven Iasimone, Military
Elise Incze, Pratt Institute
Andrew Ingoglia, United States Navy
Anthony Iovine, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Erik Janiel, SUNY Stony Brook
Angelica Jannace, ManhattanvilleCollege
William Jenkins, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Russell Johann, St. Joseph’s College
Peter Johnson, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Steven Kaastra, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Rachel Kerremans, St. Joseph’s College
Elise Kethman, University of SanDiego
James Kidney, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Laura A. Killean, CUNY BaruchCollege
Rory King, SUNY College at Cobleskill
Jacqueline Kmiotek, Stony BrookUniversity
Leah Knight, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Niki Koutsaris, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Daniel Kramer,Towson University
Adam Kurtz, SUNY Geneseo
Michele Kurtz, Bloomsburg Universityof Pennsylvania
Beginning A New • 90% of the 2008 graduating class
earned a Regents Diploma orhigher
• 42% earned Advanced RegentsDiplomas
• 9% earned Advanced RegentsDiplomas with Honors
• 90% will be attending college inthe fall
• 60% of the class were acceptedto 4-year colleges
• 4% will be going into CareerEducation
• 4% are heading directly to theworkforce
• 2% will enlist in the military
CLASS FACTS
5R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Marina Labate, SUNY Stony Brook
Matthew Lacovara, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Chelsea Lambert, Loyola College
Brittany Lent, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Meagan Lewis-Bie, Mount Saint MaryCollege
Anthony Librizzi, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Francis Licciardello, Alfred University
Agata LoCascio, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Nicholas Loiacono, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brianne LoManto, NorthwesternUniversity
Lindsey Lopez, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Andrea Loredo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Justin Luongo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Johnilee Lysen, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Bryan Maggio, St. Joseph’s College
Charles Maggio, SUNY Oneonta
Shayla Mansfield, Dowling College
Vox Dei Mansilungan, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Nicholas Martello, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Vincent Martino, Wesley College
Samantha Masone, St. Joseph’s College
Dustin Mayor, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
James B. Mayr, SUNY Binghamton
Matthew Mc Cabe, New York CityCollege of Technology
Kelsey Mc Glone, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Ryan McAllister, SUNY Farmingdale
Christina McDonnell, University ofNotre Dame
Meghan McEntee, Work
William McGee, SUNY Farmingdale
Marielle McMahon, ManhattanCollege
James McManus, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Kyle Meditz, Mount Saint MaryCollege
Ryan A. Messina, SUNY Stony Brook
Jessica B. Micallef, SUNY Stony Brook
Rachael Micca, Career Education
Carl Millard, Dowling College
Brett Moran, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Lauren Morcerf, SUNY Cortland
James Murrin, SUNY Morrisville
Jacqueline Nicolich, University ofMassachusetts at Amherst
Patrick Nolan, United States MarineCorps
Justin Norbury, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Peter Noto, Marion Military Institute
John O’Connor, Quinnipiac University
Kyle O’Connor, Stony BrookUniversity
Meagan O’Gallagher, Mount SaintMary College
Brinna O’Hara, SUNY Cortland
Thomas Palasek, Johns HopkinsUniversity
Anthony Pantori, Work
Benjamin Paquette, SUNY Cortland
April Parris, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Jesse Passiglia, New York Institute ofTechnology Worldwide
Erin Peacock, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Angelica Perez LaLota, St. Joseph’sCollege
Muge Polat, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Joseph Polidora, CUNY Hunter
Robert Prechtl, Work
Joseph Prunty, Long Island University- C.W. Post
Lee Rasanen, St. John’s University
Lauren Amy Retundi, SUNY StonyBrook
Joseph Ricigliano, BrooklynPolytechnic University
Javier Rodriguez, Dowling College
Carissa Rosado, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Bryant Roy, United States Army
Jason Rozet, Ithaca College
Jacob Rusek, New York University
Brian Russ, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Erica Rutherford, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Alexandria Sabo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Anthony Sampogna, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Christina Sanford, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Gregory Savage, Towson University
Eric Schmeling, United States MarineCorps
William Schmitz, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Lawrence Schneider, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Joseph Sendra, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Krystie-Ann Serviss, Slippery RockUniversity
Ashley Shevlin, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brian Smith,Arcadia University
Steven Smith, Work
Peter Smullen, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brieanna Spatarella, ManhattanCollege
Diana Squatriglia, John Jay College ofCriminal Justice
Stefanie Stanchio, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Allison Staudt, Adelphi University
Sarah Stewart, SUNY Buffalo
Cassandra Sticco, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Taralynn Sugarman, King’s College
Vincent Sullivan, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brittany Tiedemann, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Jeanne Timmons, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Kevin Tobiassen, Villanova University
Frank Toldo, Five Towns College
Deanna Toronto, St. Joseph’s College
Joseph Tully, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Tabitha Ueblacker, Fashion Institute ofTechnology,
Keith Vagle, St. Joseph’s College
John Vicedomini, Dowling College
Nicholas Viscusi, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Ghia Vitale, SUNY Cobleskill
Sabrina Vitale, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Courtney Vitello, Work
Danielle Vivonetto, United StatesNaval Academy
Louis Volpe, SUNY Farmingdale
Kaitlyn Vosper, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Amanda Walker, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Morgan Walters, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Katelyn Wandle, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Erin Weresnick, SUNY Cobleskill
Robert Whaley, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Brooke Wheeler, SUNY Farmingdale
Alyssa Whitehouse, Dowling College
Candace Whitney, SUNY Brockport
Alexander Paul Williams, SuffolkCounty Community College
Kiernan Williams, St. Joseph’s College
Michael Williams, SUNY Oneonta
Thomas Wilson, Dowling College
Jillian Winters, SUNY Cortland
Ashley Wojcik, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
Lauren Young, Southern ConnecticutState University
Oskar Ziaja, Poznan University ofMedical Sciences
Erik Zimmer, Work
Janine Zirpolo, Suffolk CountyCommunity College
It was a beautiful, sunny day as the members of the Class of 2008 marchedonto the high school football field for the 34th Annual Commencement Exercisesof Rocky Point High School. The high school band performed Pomp andCircumstance as the senior class, adorned in blue and white, took their seats onthe field. The stadium filled with family, friends, and teachers, as administratorsand Board of Education members looked on.
The ceremony commenced with Jacob Rusek and Jessica Micallef performingthe Star Spangled Banner. Exhortation Speaker Meagan Lewis-Bie took theplatform next, and encouraged her classmates to “discover a world outside of thehigh school.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carla D’Ambrosio spoke to the students abouttheir future in the world ahead. “Whatever path you choose, college, military, orwork, you are about to take your place in the world,” she stated. “The futurebelongs to you!” Salutatorian James Mayr addressed his classmates, bestowing onthem words of wisdom and advice.
For the first time ever, three retiring teachers were invited to address the Classof 2008. With a collective 99 years of teaching in the Rocky Point School District,Linda Bovich, Christopher Brown, and Marjorie Fischer imparted their pricelessadvice. “Use your eyes to see the best the world has to offer, not the worst. Useyour hands to do good deeds, not bad. Use your legs to take you where you shouldgo, not where you shouldn’t. Use your ears to gain wisdom, not distrust,” statedMr. Brown. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was also among the guest speakers.Valedictorian Christina McDonnell addressed the class, sharing her feelings aboutwhat the future has in store.
The class members were awarded their diplomas, instructed to move theirtassels from right to left, and declared graduates of the Rocky Point SchoolDistrict. Students were elated as they tossed their caps in the air.
Chapter
6 R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Rocky Point HighSchool’s “Be A NicerNeighbor Club” held itsfirst annual Rick SmithMemorial BasketballTournament. Thecompetition consisted offaculty membersrepresenting three schooldistricts – Rocky Point(with two teams), MillerPlace, and Shoreham-Wading River – joiningtogether to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Wounded Warrior Project helps to empower and honor U.S. militarysoldiers who have been wounded in battle. Lt. John Fernandez, a formerRocky Point student who lost portions of his legs in the current war,attended the basketball tournament and addressed the audience, thankingthem for their support of the troops. Erica Smith, daughter of Air NationalGuardsman Rick Smith, who died in the line of duty, and other members ofher family, joined in the fundraiser named in her father’s honor.
Students coached the teams and each faced off in several games asresidents from the three communities came together to support thisworthy cause. In total, the fundraiser garnered more than $8,750.
A short time ago in a school not so far, far away, studentsin Scott Wendt’s third grade class performed the seventhinstallment of the movie box office hit and dual-trilogy, StarWars. For three consecutive years, Mr. Wendt hasincorporated the six Star Wars episodes as a tool forlearning in his classroom. Students became familiar with thefilms, viewing clips from the movies for the last 20 minutesof school on Fridays.
After much thought about how the films could beintegrated further into the curriculum, Mr. Wendt began tohave some students create a script during Writer’sWorkshop of what would happen following the final StarWars episode. Once a script was drafted, the writersauditioned their classmates and utilized a program entitledReaders Theater to choose the actors and actresses for thevarious roles.
Students used their imaginations to create the script,additional characters, and the set. After rehearsing forseveral weeks, students performed their rendition of StarWars Episode VII - The New Apprentice. As students echoedsuch phrases as, “May the Force be with you,” fellowclassmates, family members, and teachers enjoyed thetheatrical performance. The exercises enhanced thestudents’ writing abilities in a unique genre, and also gavethem an early lesson in acting.
Throughout the year, students in Mrs. Edmond’s, Mrs. Conner’s, and Mrs.Lukas’ classes at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School have been participating in aprogram entitled Fostering Friendship. The program was developed to integratespecial education students of varying abilities into general education classes on aweekly basis.
In an effort to be earth friendly, the three classes in the program began recyclingcans on Armed Forces Day in May. For a little less than a month, studentscontinuously recycled cans and pooledtheir money together to purchase a tree.
The tree was planted on the back fieldof the school in honor of soldierscurrently fighting in the war who are partof the FJC school community. A plaquewas placed at the foot of the tree trunk,bearing the names of all those soldiers towhom the tree is dedicated. In addition,the three classes wrote letters to eachsoldier explaining the project.Accompanied by a photograph of the tree,letters were then mailed to the soldiers.
More than 100 students at Rocky Point Middle Schoolwere selected for recognition at this year’s Breakfast ofChampions, a morning set aside for students from eachgrade level to receive a special breakfast and certificate ofachievement in their honor.
“The Breakfast of Champions program gives the school achance to recognize academic accomplishments and positivestudent character,” stated Principal Dr. Joseph Centamore.
To be chosen for this recognition, each student wasnominated by a teacher in the school for demonstrating thefollowing characteristics: shared purpose, respect, impulsecontrol, compassion, and equity.
Shooting Hoops forWounded Warriors
Going Green to HONOR THE TROOPS
MAY THE FORCE BEWITH YOU
Breakfast of Champions
7R O C K Y P O I N T U N I O N F R E E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Kindergarten studentsin Carlyle Ritchie’s classat Frank J. CarasitiElementary Schoolhelped to pilot theMcGruff SafetyProgram. During a four-week period, studentswere taught about safety-related issues such asbullying and strangerdanger from local lawenforcement officers. The event culminated with a special visitfrom Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco, Officer EverettOliver, Lieutenant Charles L’Hommedieu, and McGruff theCrime Dog. Each student was awarded a certificate of completionand reminded of the importance of knowing about bullying andstranger danger.
After the award recognition concluded, parents were invited toparticipate in Operation Safe Child. Under this program, childrenare photographed, fingerprinted, and have key identifiers placedon a card in the event a child is missing and the police needpertinent information.
As part of the fourth-grade social studies curriculum, students at JosephA. Edgar Intermediate School took an in-depth look at the great State ofNew York and Long Island on which they live. Students embarked on ascavenger hunt and were given the entire year to collect items that related toNew York State or Long Island. Students gathered artifacts, tookphotographs, created projects, and even recorded themselves singing, “NewYork, New York.” In addition, students brought the objects they discoveredto school to share with their classmates.
“My fellow teachers and I at JAE felt that it is important for students to learnabout the place in which they live,” stated fourth-grade teacher Kristie Jackson.The students did just that as they not only researched New York and LongIsland, but explored the area with their families throughout the year as well.
The New York State Scavenger Hunt culminated with a closing ceremonythat announced the top winners, and shared information about what thestudents learned throughout the year.
As part of the first-ever Career Café at Rocky Point Middle School, eighth-gradestudents had the opportunity to explore a plethora of career paths available to them asthey continue on in their education.
Various speakers visited with students over the course of several hours and spokeabout their careers. As each acted as a spokesperson for their industry, they discussed thetype of training and education required and what their job entails, in addition to how theywere influenced to pursue their careers. Guests included Superintendent of Schools Dr.Carla D’Ambrosio, chefs, an author, a professional athlete, and technology specialists.
As the final weeks of the 2007-08 school year came to a close, each Rocky
Point school building celebrated the many successes of the school year. Students
moved forward to start a new chapter in their educational journey, inspired by
words of congratulations from Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School Principal
Dr. Scott O’Brien, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal Carol Tvelia,
and Rocky Point Middle School Principal Dr. Joseph Centamore, all of whom
wished their departing students well for the future. Congratulations and best of
luck to all who have moved up and moved forward.
Moving Up, Moving Forward
Professor Steve Clark of Instructional Technology from Suffolk County Community College visitedstudents at Rocky Point Middle School during their Career Café. He spoke about the many ways inwhich technology is utilized across a variety of career fields.
Career Café
Staying Safe at FJCExploring
New York
www.rockypointschools.org NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 9
ROCKY POINT, N.Y.
****ECRWSS****POSTAL PATRON
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Joseph Sanseverino, PresidentMargaret Smith, Vice President
Diane Burke, TrusteeEdward Darcey, TrusteeMichael Nofi, Trustee
Save
the
Dat
eAugust 19
KindergartenOrientation
August 21Kindergarten
“Kinder-Social”
August 25 Board of Education
Meeting7:30 PM @ HS
Auditorium
September 1Labor Day
September 3First Day of School
Spring Sports Wrap-Up
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Carla D’AmbrosioSuperintendent of Schools
Dr. Sherry AlessandroAssistant Superintendent for Human
Resources and Administration
Anja GrothDirector of Instruction
Eileen ManittaDirector of Special Education
Annette SclafaniDirector of Student Services
Leonard KiesDirector of Health, Physical Education,
Athletics, and Intramurals
Baseball -Peter Craig - All-County, All-League,
Suffolk County Gold GloveSean Craig - All-LeagueRyan McAllister - All-LeagueTim Popko - All-LeaguePhil Rado - All-LeagueDan Smiles - Academic All-CountyLou Volpe - All-County, All-League
Softball -Cassie Jonaitis - All-League Kyle Meditz - All-LeagueNicole Reany - All-LeagueBrittany Stevenson - All-League
Boys Tennis -James Bouker - All-League, All-DivisionAdam Pometti - All-League, All-Division Kevin Tobiassen - All-County, Division
Doubles Champion Keith Vagle - All-County, Division Doubles
Champion
Boys Track & Field -Matt Clark - All-League, All-Division (Shot Put)Peter Johnson - All-League, All-Division (200m)Larry Schneider - All-League, All-Division
(110m High Hurdles)Will Singh - All-League, All-Division (400m)Kevin Vasko - All-League, All-Division
(Long Jump) Tom Wilson - All-League, All-Division (800m)
Varsity Girls Track & Field -Cassidy Bohan - All-LeagueAmanda Cohen - All-LeagueJessica Kenyon - All-LeagueCaitlin Mallin - All-LeagueCassie Sticco - All-League
Girls Lacrosse -Chelsea Bruno - All-LeagueAimee Capps - All-County, Academic
All-American Christy Dougherty - Unsung HeroCaitlin Gargan - All-CountyJessica Hassett - All-Tournament
Brianne LoManto - All-County, Academic All-American
Samantha Mazzeo - All-CountyKara Mupo - All-County, All-AmericanAbby Ross - All-County, All-TournamentBrieanne Spatarella - Academic All-American Allison Staudt - All-CountyDanielle Vivonetto - All-County, Academic
All-American
Boys Lacrosse -Coach Mike Bowler – Long Island Coach of
the YearJustin Annunziato - All-County, All-AmericanTom Kelly - All-CountyDan Kramer - All-CountyBill McGee - All-Division Mike Muller - All-CountyMatt Palasek - All-CountyTom Palasek - All-County, Under Armour
All-American, U.S. Lacrosse All-American, All-American, Newsday Player of the Year
Jesse Passiglia - All-Division
The Rocky Point Varsity Boys LacrosseTeam had an amazing season from start to end.The team took home the first New York StateClass B Lacrosse State Championship in RockyPoint history. The team began their journey bydefeating Comsewogue to earn the Suffolk CountyChampionship, and then defeated traditionallacrosse powerhouses Garden City (Long IslandChampionship), John Jay (State Semifinal) andCarthage HS (Class B State Final). The teamfinished with an overall record of 21-1 and wasranked #1 by the New York State SportswritersAssociation in Class B.
The Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team earnedtheir 4th consecutive Suffolk County Class BChampionship, with an overall record of 16-4. Theteam put forth a valiant effort, but eventually lostto Garden City in the Long Island Championships.
The Varsity Boys Baseball Team captured
the League VI Championship for the first time everin the school’s history. The team finished with anoverall record of 17-7 before losing in the playoffs.In addition, the Junior Varsity and Varsity BaseballTeams were recognized as the Eastern SuffolkUmpires Association Baseball Program of the Yearfor Outstanding Sportsmanship.
Eagles Take Flight
BOYS VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM
GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM
The mission of the Rocky Point Union Free School District is to develop each child’s fullpotential in a nurturing and supportive student-centered environment that will promote afoundation for lifelong learning.
District Mission Statement